It was the first time that event took place in Laval.

Three matches per day were scheduled between the teams of Stephen F. Austin, Quinnipiac, Montana State, UNCG, MTSU, and Hofstra.

“We know Montreal and Laval are basketball fans,” said Emilio Zaga Mendez, brand manager at Evenko. “We hope it becomes a recurring event every year.”

MTSU Stands Out

All six teams played three matches during the weekend.

MTSU was the only perfect team, winning its three matches. It first defeated Hofstra by a score of 64-54, then registered a convincing 75-63 victory over Stephen F. Austin the next day. The team concluded its weekend by winning a close 72-71 battle against Montana State.

Quinnipac and Hofstra finished the weekend with two wins and one loss. Hofstra also signed a 72-70 win in the game between the two teams, despite a late comeback from Quinnipac. It was also the last game of the event.

The other three universities competing, UNCG (1-2), Stephen F. Austin (1-2) and Montana State (0-3), all when back home with negative records.

Those were sanctioned games by the NCAA. They will thus influence the qualification of each of those teams for the post-season tournament.

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article Place Bell Brings Many Smiles with NCAA Basketball Showdown est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

The Laval native is concluding is first full season on the ATP Tour with the best ranking of his career so far (204th), and some impressive matches to build on for 2023.

Galarneau made a statement in August, when he played his first main draw of the National Bank Open,  in Montreal, on Central Court.

The professional athlete retains a lot of positive from this season, having played the final of the Winnipeg National Bank Challenger as well. However, he said his match against Grigor Dimitrov, in Montreal, was extra special.

Playing the Davis Cup is unique. Unlike regular ATP Tour tournaments, players represent their country, and face other flags in a competition that sees one country raise the cup at the end. High-ranked players like Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov are therefore playing with Galarneau, in the same team.

That makes it ever more special, since Auger-Aliassime and Galarneau are long-time friends. Laval’s prodigy said it’s great to be able to share some time on the court with his friend, since normally, during the season, it’s more about texting and calling each other.

L’article Alexis Galarneau Comments on Davis Cup and First ATP Tour Season est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.

The first part of the competition, which will feature Canada’s best under-12s, will take place from August 20-26. Athletes 14 and under will follow a few days later, playing from August 28 to September 3.

These athletes have received their access for the competition through their provincial ranking and qualifying events.

For the first two editions presented in Laval, this event was selected as the Canadian tournament of the year. According to Laurent Denis, general manager of Carrefour Multisports, the reduction of constraints related to the pandemic should allow them to win this distinction again in 2022.

“It’s way easier this year in terms of preparing the event,” Denis said. “We weren’t worried, and the mask requirements have dropped, so it’s really easier for us. The same can also be said for transport.”

Professional Atmosphere

Three members of the Club Tomahawk will play the tournament. This is a first for the organizers, who intend to offer them the privilege of playing on the main field of the centre multisports. The same goes for all participating Laval residents.

“We really want all participants to live a unique experience,” Denis said. “They have privileged access, are staying in hotels, and will feel like professionals throughout the week.”

The red clay surface at Carrefour Multisports, similar to that of Roland-Garros, also enhances the experience of the young players.

translated by Alec Brideau

L’article Laval to Host Canadian Tennis’ Next Generation est apparu en premier sur Courrier Laval news.